Lukko Rauma opened the scoring in their First Game against HC Innsbruck en route to netting another in the first period, but the Austrians managed to secure two of their own courtesy of their leading scorer Braeden Shaw. Now, both clubs enter the second match-up of their series knotted at two goals on aggregate.

Letting a two-goal lead slip away was uncharacteristic of a Finnish squad that is only allowing an average of 2.29 goals against per game, and has had one of the better netminders in the tournament in 24-year-old Daniel Lebedeff. But, despite an otherwise pedestrian effort in the final two periods of play, Lukko's success through the 2023/24 campaign speaks for itself. Through seven contests, the Finns have compiled a respectable 3.29 goals for per game average and boast one of the best penalty-killing units in the league at 86.96% efficiency.

One area, however, that Lukko would do well to focus on would be the other number on special teams – the powerplay – if they hope to qualify for their third trip to the Quarter-Finals. Their 16% efficiency rate currently has them in 15th place league-wide having only converted on 4 of 25 attempts. In their First Game against Innsbruck, Lukko’s man-advantage also struggled as the Finns went 0-for-2. Getting better results with the extra man could be the difference between an early exit and an extended stay in the pan-European competition.

Likewise, Innsbruck have had their fair share of troubles on the man-advantage, as well, and are right behind Lukko with a 15.38% conversion rate. Solving Lukko’s excellent PK will be a challenge, but it is possible. Especially considering their firepower up front in Shaw who currently leads the league in goals and is tied for second in total points with ten (6G, 4A). To their end, Innsbruck did an outstanding job frustrating Lukko’s chances in the later going and will need to continue that style of play against a Finnish club that has demonstrated their ability to put the puck in the back of the net, scoring three or more goals four times in seven contests.

Against Lukko's capable offence, however, Innsbruck's netminder, Evan Buitenhuis, was up to the task, eventually stopping all but two shots on 21 attempts. While Buitenhuis's numbers - a 88.73 SV% and a 4.00 GAA - are lacking, the Canadian backstop has shown flashes of brilliance and was solid in net for the final 40 minutes of the First Game. Having a repeat of that performance could see his team earning the upset and making their way to the Quarter-Finals in their CHL debut.